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INFORMATION, EQUIPMENT & FUNDING: SEATED THROWS

Seated, or secured, throwing takes place in a throws circle. The events cover shot, javelin,discus and club and are available to those athletes that are unable to stand and/or havebalance and stability problems that make throwing from an ambulant position difficult.Athletes in the seated throwing events throw from either their day chairs, or from custommade throwing frames, which are secured to the ground by straps.

Classification & EligibilityThe impairments and classifications associated with seated throwing events are:u Athletes with hypertonia, ataxia or athetosis (for example cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis or

stroke) ­ F31, F32, F33, F34u Athletes with spinal injury ­ F51, F52, F53, F54, F55, F56, F57u Athletes with a limb deficiency, impaired passive range of movement, impaired muscle power,

or leg length difference (for example spinal cord injuries, amputees, or muscular dystrophy) ­F57

Classification is coordinated nationally by British Athletics. A classification is required to enter allParallel Success competitions and for results to be recognised on the UK Rankings(www.thepowerof10.info). u For more information about national classification visit:

www.uka.org.uk/performance/paralympic-performance-pathway/national-classification/u For ‘An Introduction to Classification’ video and downloadable factsheet visit:

http://ucoach.com/video/an-introduction-to-classification-in-athletics

Throwing FramesThrowing frames are individually designedassistive devices which are scaffold­like chairsmade of metal bars and plates weldedtogether. The main purpose of the throwingframe is to assist in weight bearing.Consequently, it contributes to theperformance of an athlete by enabling theoptimum throwing action (range ofmovement, velocity of body segments, finalbody position at release etc).* A variety ofdifferent classes are eligible to compete inseated throws, consequently, there is a rangeof frames within and between the differentclasses of athletes.

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Seat (with strap)

Back/side rests

Anchor straps

Pole/holding bar

Hooks for straps

Footplate

or Foothook

*Frossard L, O’Riordan A, Goodman S. ‘Throwing frame and performance of elite male seated shot­putters’. Sports Technology. 2010.3 (2), p 88­101. DOI: 10.1080/19346182.2010.542005.

Seat

u The maximum seat height is 75cm from theground (including seat padding)

u The seating area must be Square or rectanglein shape

u Each side to be at least 30cm in lengthu The seat surface of the frame must be level or

with the front higher than the back (i.e.inclined backwards).

Back and side rests

u The seat may incorporate back and side restsfor the purposes of safety and stability. Theycan either be made of non­elastic fabric (e.g.non­elastic canvas) or be a rigid constructionthat does not move (e.g. rigid steel oraluminium).

u The backrest may incorporate cushioning thatmust not exceed 5 cm in thickness.

u The back rest should not incorporate springsor movable joints or any other feature thatcould assist with propulsion of the throwingimplement.

u Backrests are used mostly by those athleteswith no to minimal abdominal and backmuscle control (F51­54, F31­33).

u The height of the backrest is usually at aheight to suit the individual and usuallyreplicates the height of the backrest on theathlete’s day chair.

Pole/Holding Bar

u The throwing frame may have a rigid verticalholding bar.

u The holding bar must be a single, straightpiece of material without curves or bends, andwith a cross­sectional profile that is circular orsquare, not oval or rectangular. It must notincorporate springs or movable joints or anyother feature that could assist with propulsionof the throwing implement.

u They are used mainly for support and stabilityand mostly used by low class spinal injuryathletes and athletes with cerebral palsy(F51­55, F31­34).

Footplates

u Footplates, if used, are for support andstability only.

u Footplates must stay behind the front of thethrowing circle

u Athletes with good leg and foot function arelikely to just place their feet on a footplate e.g.F57

u Less functional athletes with no, or poor tofair leg and foot function in one or both legsmay want to secure/hook their feet in place tolimit extra movement e.g. F31­ 34, F51­56.

u Additional strapping can be used around legsand/or knees for stability and support.

u A daily wheelchair that satisfies these criteriais acceptable (including the requirement thatit must not move during the throwing action).

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IPC frame specifications Please visit IPC Athletics for up to date rules on throwing frame specifications and alsorules for seated throws ­ https://www.paralympic.org/athletics/rules

Accessing ThrowingFramesA fully adjustable throwing frame, the‘Protean STF’ is now available for purchasethrough England Athletics, full information athttps://tantidesign.wixsite.com/proteanstf. It enables athletics clubs to provide trainingopportunities for new and beginner athleteswho want to try seated throwing.

The throwing frame meets the IPC Athleticsrule specifications and has anchor points forsecuring it to the ground when throwing. It iseasily adjustable so multiple athletes are ableto use it, and will also assist the coach withdeveloping the functional template for thoseathletes that commit to the sport and mayneed a more bespoke throwing frame.

Bespoke frames are designed and engineeredaround an individual athlete that hascommitted to training and competing.Currently, the construction of each individualthrowing frame is mainly driven by anempirical approach, relying on the feedbackfrom coaches and athletes as well as apparentfunctionality and sensations of comfort.*

The fully adjustable throwing frame describedabove now makes this process simpler, byassisting with the development of anindividual athlete’s functional template. Thisfunctional template can then be taken to localwelders/fabricators for design andmanufacture.

Further information and contact details canbe accessed by visitinghttps://tantidesign.wixsite.com/proteanstf

JGB Engineering also manufacture theThrowster throwing frame. More informationcan be found by visitingwww.throwster.weebly.com

The following national organisations are alsoable to design, develop and manufacturebespoke items of equipment for disabledpeople.Remap: www.remap.org.ukDemand: www.demand.org.uk

* Frossard L, O’Riordan A, Goodman S. ‘Applied biomechanics forevidence­based training of Australian elite seated throwers’, in Sportfor persons with a disability, ICSSPE, Editor. 2006, International Councilof Sport Science and Physical Education “Perspectives” series. 175­198. 2

Securing Throwing Frames& Wheelchairs

Throwing frames andwheelchairs need to befirmly secured to theground duringthrowing. Ratchetstraps are commonlyused to tie down athrowing frame orwheelchair, these are secured to the groundwith ground anchors or a tie down bar whichare concreted in place around the throwingcircle. Stakes may also be used instead tosecure a frame or wheelchair into grasssurfaces. Athletes need to have their ownratchet straps but it is useful for clubs to havesome too for beginner athletes. Good sourcesfor straps include local DIY stores as well asathletics equipment suppliers. Stakes can bepurchased cheaply from a local welder andsome athletics suppliers (see page 6).

Fixing Point Installation for Seated(secured) ThrowsThe UKA SAPCA Code of Practice for theConstruction of Athletics Track and FieldFacilities gives details of the technical designsand drawings for installation of seated throws

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fixings. The code can be downloaded fromthis web page:www.sapca.org.uk/quick­links/athletics­tracksRegistration on the following website is free,and will allow any changes or revisions to theCode of Practice to be emailed directly.For all new build/refurbishment projectsprovision should be made to accommodateathletes using throwing frames or wheelchairsby installing throws circle fixing points.

Fixings for Performance Facilities andHigher Level Domestic and InternationalCompetitionThe pictures below show the fixings layoutthat was used for the London 2012Paralympic Games. This is the UKArecommended layout for higher levelcompetition and training and all new buildthrowing circles.

A set comprises of nine sockets (with nyloncaps for when not in use), one central straightangle iron, two x front and rear shaped angleirons and three struts to rear angle iron toprevent any movement of fittings. Thesefittings give maximum choice of adjustmentwith a hole for fitting the ratchet straps toevery 50mm. The finish should be galvanisedto provide a long lasting finish.

Fixings for club facilities (training and competition)Another layout option for general club usageand low level competition for club facilities is

shown above. A set comprises of 5 sockets(with nylon cap for when not in use) and 2galvanised angle irons. The holes for attachingstraps are every 100mm. The number offixing points back and front can vary,however a greater number will add flexibilityas athlete throwing frames do not come instandard shapes and sizes.

Ground Anchors

For existing facilities and low levelrefurbishments ground anchors can also beused.Ground anchors for throws circles consist ofthree parts:i. The ringbolt – made of steelii. The buried sleeve – made of steel, into

which the ring bolt screwsThe ring bolt and sleeve should be made of

stainless steel to prevent rusting.iii. The concrete foundation – the most

important of the threeUK Athletics can provide advice and guidanceon the installation of throws fixings. PleaseVisit www.uka.org.uk/governance/facilitiesfor contact details.

The Sport and Play Construction Association(SAPCA) maintain an updated list ofrecommended contractors for the installationof throws fixings: www.sapca.org.uk

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Throwing Platforms or StakesWhen throwing circles with fixings are notavailable it is also possible for athletes tothrow from throwing platforms or forthrowing frames and wheelchairs to besecured using stakes in the ground. Thesefixing methods are best done only in trainingsituations and full throwing circles should beused wherever possible for competition.Particular attention should be paid to thesafety and distance of other athletes and anyother persons when throwing without a cage,especially during club or javelin training orcompetition. It is advisable NOT toparticipate in discus without a cage under anycircumstance.

Throwing ImplementsDisabled athletes throw different weightimplements and details of the recommendedweights and age groups are available from theIPC (International Paralympic Committee)Rules: https://www.paralympic.org/athletics/rulesIn general, standard size implements can beused by disabled athletes with a couple ofexceptions:u Club – A throwing club has 2 main head

types, round or square, and a competitionclub weighs 397g.

u Shot – Smaller sized, same weight shotsare available for dwarf /short statureathletes who have smaller hands andtherefore more difficulty holding the largerimplements.

Suppliers This is not an exhaustive list but throwingimplements can be purchased from:Evequewww.eveque.co.ukNeuffwww.neuff.co.uk Stadia Sportswww.stadia.sports.co.uk Track and Field Sportswww.trackandfieldsports.co.ukSafari Sportswww.safarisports.com

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Funding AdviceBelow are some tips for applying for fundingfrom local charities and private organisations:u Read the criteria carefully before applying. u Charities have limited funding themselves

and are often run by volunteers, sodecisions may not be immediate.

u Local support is often faster, throughsmaller contributions, fundraising andpersonal savings:u Fundraising: ebay, car boot sales,

sponsored events, partiesu Local businessesu Local groups: Lions Club, Rotary

International, Round Table etc.u School PTA etc.u Local Councils, Districts etc. often have

details of trusts, charities and grantsIn all cases providing your own contributionwill help an application, and remember thesport will cost money through training, travel,race entries, and accommodation. Showingthat you are already committed, usingborrowed or second­hand equipment, being amember of a club and have UKA classificationwill also boost an application.There are details of funding opportunitieslisted below, this is some general advice andnot an exhaustive list. As fundingopportunities change regularly werecommend doing your own research too.Your local County Sports Partnership willhave details of any local fundingopportunities.

Funding OpportunitiesFunding Central For funding advice and to search for fundingopportunities visit Funding Central:www.fundingcentral.org.uk

Adam Millichip Foundation Individuals looking to improve their quality oflife by taking up a new venture. Athletes newto the sport, not for competition purposes.www.adammillichipfoundation.org

AspireSupporting people with a spinal injury. Part­funding for new equipment only.www.aspire.org.uk/1aspire-grants.aspx

Barchester Charitable FoundationAdults with a physical disability. www.bhcfoundation.org.uk

Boparan Charitable Trust(Children under 18 years)www.theboparancharitabletrust.com

Cash4KidsRegional www.cashforkids.uk.com

Caudwell ChildrenChildren under 18 years. Means­tested.www.caudwellchildren.com

CerebraChildren up to 16 years with neurologicaldisability (i.e. CP, Brain Damage). Up to 80%.www.cerebra.org.uk/English/gethelp/grants/Pages/default.aspx

Challenged Athlete FoundationIPC eligible ­ i.e. must have a UKAclassificationwww.challengedathletes.org

Children’s Hope Foundation Individuals and clubs, look under thedownloads section for an application form.www.childrenshopefoundation.org.uk

Children TodayUp to 25 years.www.childrentoday.org.uk

Dickie Bird FoundationChildren under 18 years.www.thedickiebirdfoundation.co.uk

Dream It Believe It Achieve Itwww.dreamitbelieveitachieveit.com

Elifar FoundationChildren and Adultswww.elifarfoundation.org.uk

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Family FundChildren under 18 years. Means­tested.www.familyfund.org.ukGet Kids GoingChildren up to 26 years.www.getkidsgoing.comRichard Overall TrustYoung people and studentswww.richardoveralltrust.co.ukRoald Dahl CharityUp to 25 years with specific conditions ofblood or brain.www.roalddahl.com/charitySF CharityDisabled people ­ all ages.Midlands only.www.sfcharity.co.uk/

Sport England Small Grants Clubs onlywww.sportengland.org/funding/small_grants.aspxVarietyChildren up to 18 years, individuals and clubs.www.variety.org.uk/WhizzKidzChildren under 18 yearswww.whizz­kidz.org.uk/get­our­help/equipmentWomen’s Sport TrustIndividuals and clubs, females only.www.womenssporttrust.com Other sourcesAlso try local Lions Clubs, RotaryInternational, Round Table etc.

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AcknowledgementsEngland Athletics would like to thank WheelPower, British Wheelchair Athletics Association, CPSport and Alison O’Riordan Sports Consultancy for their input on this resource.